Italy car sales in Q1 2016 up 20% projecting over 1.8 million in the year, better than any observer expectations. Ford is challenging the Volkswagen leadership among importers while Jeep Renegade is near the Top 10 models.

While economic data in march confirmed that the Renzi’s government has lost the train of economic recovery with low GDP increase, high unemployment and huge level of taxation on individuals and firms, the automotive sector looks the only domestic sector growing in the country.

Indeed, after the market collapsed from near 2.4 million pre 2008 financial crisis level to the near 1.3 four years later, a recovery was expected. The 2014 and 2015 positive trend was projected again in the current year with positive forecast by any observer. However, the first quarter result is well above expectation.

According to data released by the UNRAE, the Italian Association of Cars Importers, the first quarter 2016 sales had been 519.357, up 20.6% or 90.000 units from the previous year. Following the +17.4%and +27.3% reported for January and February (this was the fastest month out of the last seven years), in March sales improved 17.6% with 191.156 units.

The full year 2016 is now projected above the 1.8 million cars and could reach the 2 million light vehicles, including the LCVs.

In March, Fiat sold 41.702 vehicles (+23.9%) with market share at 21.1%, posting five models within the Top 10.

Ford defended the second place (and the leadership among importers) with 14.260 sales (+25.4%), just few units more than the rival Volkswagen, third with 14.228 (+20.7%), and still ahead in the Q3 figures.

Renault consolidated the fourth place with 12.548 sales (+31.6%) ahead of Peugeot with 10.167 (+13.0%), Opel with 9.653 (-4.7%), Lancia with 7.125 (+30.2%), Toyota with 6.995 (-4.5%), Citroen with 6.811 (+21.2%) and Audi, 10th and best premium brand, with 6.779 units (+22.8%).

At group wise, FCA led with 29.4% of market share followed by Volkswagen Group at 13.1%, Renault-Nissan at 12.5% and P.S.A. at 9.1%

The best-selling model, the Fiat Panda, sold 15.864 units with share at 8.4%. In second, the Lancia Ypsilon with 7.122 sales (+32.2%) and third was the Fiat 500 with 6.963 (+39.4%).

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In the table below we report on the top 50 models in March while for more detailed data you can see the dedicated article

Below, you can sort our interactive tables to see data regarding Brands, Groups and Models. Please bear in mind that sales data are subject to adjustments as sources will update their information. This report is updated at the publishing date and will not be modified while the next on this subject will always have the year to date data updated.